Subjects
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
Physics
4 Dec 2025
246
2 pages
Zofia @zofia_577
Heat doesn't just magically jump from one place to another - it travels through specific processes that you... Show more
Think of conduction like a game of molecular dominoes happening inside solid objects. When you heat one end of a metal rod, the particles there start vibrating faster and bumping into their neighbours, passing energy along like a chain reaction.
Energy transfers to an object's thermal store when you heat it, making those particles move more vigorously. These energetic particles collide with nearby ones, sharing their kinetic energy through countless tiny crashes throughout the material.
This process continues particle by particle until the energy reaches the other side of the object. Eventually, that energy usually ends up heating whatever's touching the object or the surrounding air. Thermal conductivity measures how quickly different materials can transfer energy this way - metals are brilliant at it, whilst materials like wood or plastic are much slower.
Quick Tip Good conductors like copper feel cold to touch because they quickly conduct heat away from your warm hand!
Unlike conduction where particles stay put and just vibrate, convection happens when the actual heated particles pack up and move to cooler areas. This only works in liquids and gases where particles are free to flow about.
When you heat a region of liquid or gas, something fascinating happens - the particles speed up and spread out more, making that heated region less dense than the cooler areas around it. Since warmer, lighter stuff naturally rises above cooler, denser regions, you get movement.
Convection currents form when there's a constant heat source keeping this process going. Hot material rises, cools down, becomes denser, then sinks back down to get heated again - creating a continuous loop of moving heat.
Real-World Example Watch steam rise from your hot chocolate or notice how warm air from a radiator creates gentle air currents in your room!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the principles of gas laws, energy transfer, and the properties of matter in this comprehensive study resource. This material covers key concepts such as pressure, temperature, density, specific heat capacity, and phase changes, along with practical experiments and calculations. Ideal for AQA Higher Physics students preparing for exams.
PhysicsExplore the fundamentals of nuclear decay, atomic structure, and radiation types in this comprehensive summary. Key concepts include activity measurement, half-life, radioactive decay, fission, fusion, and the historical development of atomic models. Ideal for AQA students preparing for exams.
PhysicsExplore the different types of radiation, including Alpha, Beta, and Gamma rays. This summary covers their properties, penetration abilities, ionizing capabilities, and practical applications in fields like sterilization and cancer treatment. Ideal for AQA Combined Science students.
PhysicsExplore the evolution of atomic theory, from early concepts by Democritus to modern atomic models. Understand key principles such as atomic structure, periodic table development, and the role of isotopes. This summary covers essential topics including energy forms, oxidation states, and the contributions of notable scientists like Dalton, Thompson, and Bohr. Ideal for students studying chemistry and physics.
PhysicsExplore the fundamentals of atomic structure and nuclear radiation in this comprehensive study resource. Covering key concepts such as isotopes, radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and the historical development of atomic models, this summary is designed for GCSE Physics students preparing for AQA Higher Triple exams. Enhance your understanding of protons, neutrons, and the properties of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
PhysicsExplore the fundamentals of radioactivity, including alpha, beta, and gamma decay, half-life calculations, and the properties of isotopes. This summary covers key concepts such as nuclear radiation, energy levels, and the differences between contamination and irradiation. Ideal for students preparing for exams in combined science.
PhysicsQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Zofia
@zofia_577
Heat doesn't just magically jump from one place to another - it travels through specific processes that you can see happening all around you every day. Understanding conduction and convectionwill help you make sense of why metal spoons get... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Think of conduction like a game of molecular dominoes happening inside solid objects. When you heat one end of a metal rod, the particles there start vibrating faster and bumping into their neighbours, passing energy along like a chain reaction.
Energy transfers to an object's thermal store when you heat it, making those particles move more vigorously. These energetic particles collide with nearby ones, sharing their kinetic energy through countless tiny crashes throughout the material.
This process continues particle by particle until the energy reaches the other side of the object. Eventually, that energy usually ends up heating whatever's touching the object or the surrounding air. Thermal conductivity measures how quickly different materials can transfer energy this way - metals are brilliant at it, whilst materials like wood or plastic are much slower.
Quick Tip: Good conductors like copper feel cold to touch because they quickly conduct heat away from your warm hand!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Unlike conduction where particles stay put and just vibrate, convection happens when the actual heated particles pack up and move to cooler areas. This only works in liquids and gases where particles are free to flow about.
When you heat a region of liquid or gas, something fascinating happens - the particles speed up and spread out more, making that heated region less dense than the cooler areas around it. Since warmer, lighter stuff naturally rises above cooler, denser regions, you get movement.
Convection currents form when there's a constant heat source keeping this process going. Hot material rises, cools down, becomes denser, then sinks back down to get heated again - creating a continuous loop of moving heat.
Real-World Example: Watch steam rise from your hot chocolate or notice how warm air from a radiator creates gentle air currents in your room!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
9
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the principles of gas laws, energy transfer, and the properties of matter in this comprehensive study resource. This material covers key concepts such as pressure, temperature, density, specific heat capacity, and phase changes, along with practical experiments and calculations. Ideal for AQA Higher Physics students preparing for exams.
PhysicsExplore the fundamentals of nuclear decay, atomic structure, and radiation types in this comprehensive summary. Key concepts include activity measurement, half-life, radioactive decay, fission, fusion, and the historical development of atomic models. Ideal for AQA students preparing for exams.
PhysicsExplore the different types of radiation, including Alpha, Beta, and Gamma rays. This summary covers their properties, penetration abilities, ionizing capabilities, and practical applications in fields like sterilization and cancer treatment. Ideal for AQA Combined Science students.
PhysicsExplore the evolution of atomic theory, from early concepts by Democritus to modern atomic models. Understand key principles such as atomic structure, periodic table development, and the role of isotopes. This summary covers essential topics including energy forms, oxidation states, and the contributions of notable scientists like Dalton, Thompson, and Bohr. Ideal for students studying chemistry and physics.
PhysicsExplore the fundamentals of atomic structure and nuclear radiation in this comprehensive study resource. Covering key concepts such as isotopes, radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and the historical development of atomic models, this summary is designed for GCSE Physics students preparing for AQA Higher Triple exams. Enhance your understanding of protons, neutrons, and the properties of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
PhysicsExplore the fundamentals of radioactivity, including alpha, beta, and gamma decay, half-life calculations, and the properties of isotopes. This summary covers key concepts such as nuclear radiation, energy levels, and the differences between contamination and irradiation. Ideal for students preparing for exams in combined science.
PhysicsQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology